we came , we saw the building, we celebrated

Shyla and I arrived on Saturday evening , unfortunately our baggage didn’t! So on the way to Anukshies (the relatives where we were staying)we made a couple of quick stops for essential items . I like to think I can travel light but turning up with nothing maybe taking it a bit far.
All good now as the bags arrived by the following morning . So a quick dash across Colombo to the airport , which made for a good excuse to spend a couple of hours at Barefoot café listen to jazz.
We then had a look a the new community building going up in the heart of Athidya. Ground floor nearly done, we are planning a soft opening on Friday after which the building can be used.
Today, Monday, has been a fantastic day. WE picked up Sister C and the 3 of us met with Harpo’s team who will be delivering the training for the employment project.
In case you don’t know Asha was chosen as one of the organisations that will be supported by the Girl Effect during 2012.Theproject is a three month training programme which will prepare delegates for work within the Restaurant/hotel sector. Our partner is Harpo’s restaurants which in this field is tough tobeat. Harpo runs some top class establishments and was voted the top entrepreneur within Sri Lanka
Anyway, we met Hiran , Asoka , Anoja and Dr Egerton who seemed to have it all sorted and pretty much ready to roll, which was very reassuring. So it all happens of Wed’s when prospective delegates will come to the Asha Centre for a short presentation – motivational talk-and an interview . 15-20 will be chosen to start the course in February. All very exciting!!
From there Shyla and Sister C went to Punykumi school , which is the local school to many of the children in Athidya. Shyla wanted the principal to know about the training course as she would have good contacts and know a whole bunch of young people who failed to get their ‘o’ levels. They then did a walk about in Athidya and spread the message to the young people loitering on street corners.
Meanwhile, I had the privilege of visiting Samutthana and meeting up with Anita ( who’s a UK trained psychologist who is working in SL with until April/May) and the Exec Director Dushy Parakrama. What amazing people! Samutthana run a whole load of training & workshops covering counselling skills , phycology, promoting good mental health. We discussed the possibilities of linking in on the work with those with a disability and also additions. We had some elevating and fruitful discussions… I feel convenient that we will be linking in and building some partnership work with them in the future.
Looking forward to another fun filled day tomorrow.
Steve & Shyla